Washington (CNN) - As the House gears up for a health care vote in the next 10 days, the top Republican in the House said he is confident Democrats "don't have the votes" right now to pass the reform bill.

"If they had the votes, then it would be law," said House Minority Leader John Boehner in an interview with CNN's Candy Crowley.

Democrats need 216 members of their 253 member caucus to vote in favor of the legislation, assuming no Republicans vote for it.

"They can pass this all on their own, the only bipartisanship involved in this town right now with regard to health care is there's bipartisan opposition to what they're attempting … If she had 216 votes, this bill would be long gone," Boehner said.
Watch Boehner's interview with Candy Crowley on CNN's "State of the Union" this Sunday at 9am ET.

soundoff(61 Responses)

Julie Thomas

I am sick and tired of these republicans saying that the american people do not want health care. They do not speak for me or any other americans. I have my health care, but many do not though no fault of their own. I think we should boycot taxes that are paying for the health care that all of congress get until the rest of american have it as well,. see how they like it.

March 12, 2010 08:22 pm at 8:22 pm |

Julie Thomas

Will someone tell me why government health care is good enough for congress but not good enough for the rest of America????????

March 12, 2010 08:23 pm at 8:23 pm |

Hawk in Texas

Is there any way to shut this idiot up? him and his moronic ideas. way to go NO NO NO NO.that is all he knows.

March 12, 2010 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |

mainfo

This has to be right. Pelosi does not have the votes. It was a close call last time. And that was WITH Stupak's 12 votes. Now she lost those votes, along with the other 4 or so who left congress or died. I heard she is about 10 votes shy.

Can we just call it a day and move on to fixing jobs or the economy or something? Is over a year of spinning our wheels enough already?

And if the DIMS care about "all the people dying w/o health insurance", then tell me why the BENEFITS do not kick in for 4 years. What about all those people "dying"? Clearly, the DIMS don't care....

March 12, 2010 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |

Claudia, Houston, Tx

Boehner don't know The Declaration of Independence from The Bill of Rights and that alone is enough for him to sit down and shut up.

March 12, 2010 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |

Old Artillery Man

The last thing that I want is an insurance bureaucrat who is motivated by his very mode of earning a living dictating my personal health care as to a government bureaucrat who really has no motivation as to making a profit to make his paycheck.

March 12, 2010 08:42 pm at 8:42 pm |

Luke

Hello????? the House did pass a health care bill on Nov. 6, the Senate passed a bill on December 24, now they are attempting to reconcile the two bills. What is this guy talking about? "They tried this in June, July, Sept., Oct., Nov.!!!!!" What?!!

March 12, 2010 08:47 pm at 8:47 pm |

Pel

Mr Minority Leader, the Demos will pass the HEALTH CARE BILL

March 12, 2010 08:48 pm at 8:48 pm |

Ray E.

All Social Programs need to be returned to the States where each state can decide what they want.

You want a Public Option? When the whole country is bankrupt who is going to pay your bill? Since you won't can't pay it and no one else has the money where will you go then? Better look good because the 1930's are right around the corner.

March 12, 2010 08:51 pm at 8:51 pm |

Hugo

The Senate Bill will not reform healthcare, it will create a monstrosity like we have never seen in this country. It will not reduce premiums, it will increase taxes on the middle class. That is as far as I even care to read. Think about this, Obama is considering raising the poverty level, middle class America is are already carrying the cost for a predominant number of minorities healthcare on their proverbial backs. We have record unemployment and underemployment that from all I hear and read is anticipated to remain this way for years to come. This will result in a decrease of tax revenues and in an increase in the Government subsidies paid out should this Bill pass. Now it does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out, even a progressive liberal should be able to get it.

March 12, 2010 08:54 pm at 8:54 pm |

I WANT MINES

i hope they dont i dont want my health care to decrease in coverage

employer will have the opportunity to get cheaper health ins. which means lower quality and more out of pocket money